Culina Group has entered into a partnership with baked goods warehousing and logistics provider Warrens Group.

This deal follows Culina's  joint venture with refrigerated transport firm Morgan McLernon and its purchase of the remaining shares in logistics specialist CML Fulfillment last year.

In February 2016 it purchased Great Bear Distribution.

Announcing the deal, Shropshire-based Culina Group said the agreement is part of a plan to expand its ambient logistics business and will “significantly strengthen” is market position in the UK.

Warrens Group, which has its headquarters in London and a depot in Rugby, is the preferred primary haulier for bread and cake distribution for Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

The firm, which also delivers to Morrisons, Waitrose and Asda, operates more than 140 vehicles and 220 trailers across six sites and employs around 390 staff. In its latest results to 31 December 2016 the company reported turnover of £34.2m and a pre-tax profit of £2.5m.

Thomas van Mourik, Culina Group CEO, said: “This joint venture with Warrens Group means we are now market leader in the UK in the baked goods niche.

“Warrens Group is a strong and successful business that fits well within Culina Group. I am very pleased that Warrens Group is now a part of our family. This positive development is going to provide great opportunities for both staff and clients of both Warrens Group and Culina Group as a whole.”

Warrens Group CEO Michael Warren said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved in Warrens Group and Culina Group.

“This is a synergistic joint venture which will enable both our businesses to combine our strength to grow even further.”

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